In-House Space Legal Counsel

Apex Space, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity (stock options)

100% company-paid health care

Dental & vision coverage

PTO 15–20 days + holidays

401(k) with matching

Parental leave

Catered lunch & snacks

Playa Vista office

Stock options

Job summary

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Legal Counsel to join our growing in-house team. The role focuses on drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts, advising on government contracts, and guiding internal stakeholders on regulatory and IP matters in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of legal experience, a U.S. bar, and a willingness to expand into space law, labor, compliance, and M&A.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar, California preferred.
• 2–4 years of relevant legal experience, with in-house or corporate setting experience preferred.
• Experience with commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation.
• Familiarity with government contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS) is a plus.
• Demonstrated interest in expanding knowledge into new legal areas (e.g., employment law, M&A, corporate compliance).
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset and comfort working with cross-functional teams.
• Strong business acumen and practical approach to legal advice.
• Demonstrated independent ownership of work, ensuring thorough tracking and completion.
• Solution-driven, innovative thinker with a passion for improving business outcomes.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration at all organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts including commercial and supply chain agreements, NDAs, consulting and service agreements.
• Support and advise on government contracts, including compliance with FAR and DFARS requirements.
• Provide legal guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual rights and obligations, including IP rights, indemnities, warranties, and regulatory compliance.
• Assist in the development and implementation of contract management policies, processes, and playbooks.
• Collaborate with outside counsel on litigation matters, including discovery, document production, and strategy.
• Proactively identify legal risks and propose solutions.
• Participate in the development and training of internal teams on legal and compliance topics.
• Assist with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, negotiation, and integration.
• Ensure the company maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, updating policies as necessary.
• Provide timely, business-oriented legal advice to stakeholders across multiple departments.
• Support sensitive legal matters such as investigations, compliance concerns, and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate on special projects and assist the Legal team with evolving priorities.

Skills

Contract drafting

Negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Independent ownership

Problem solving

Business acumen

Strategic thinking

Space law interest

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

FAR/DFARS familiarity

Job description

Apex Space, Inc. is seeking a dynamic Legal Counsel to join our growing in-house team. The role focuses on drafting and negotiating a wide range of contracts, advising on government contracts, and guiding internal stakeholders on regulatory and IP matters in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years of legal experience, a U.S. bar, and a willingness to expand into space law, labor, compliance, and M&A.